At a Glance
- Rob Reiner and his wife Michele Singer Reiner were found dead on Dec. 14.
- Chelsea Handler honored the late director at the 2026 Critics Choice Awards.
- Their son, Nick Reiner, has been charged with the murders.
- Why it matters: The tribute highlights Reiner’s legacy while the legal case underscores a national tragedy.
The 2026 Critics Choice Awards saw a heartfelt tribute to late director Rob Reiner, who died on Dec. 14, 2025. Chelsea Handler, the event’s host, celebrated his impact while his son faces murder charges. The ceremony also spotlighted the broader community’s reaction to the tragedy.
Tribute at the Critics Choice Awards
Chelsea Handler opened the ceremony with a eulogy that captured Reiner’s warmth.
Chelsea Handler stated:
> “Anyone who ever spent time with Rob Reiner knows that the minute that you met him, he felt like an old friend.”
She went on to describe his presence in conversation and his endless curiosity:
Chelsea Handler continued:
> “When you were in a conversation with him, he was present, he was focused and he was funny, and he would ask you tons of questions, whether you were discussing politics or film or the latest beauty trends-he was all in.”
Handler also reflected on his and Michelle’s commitment to decency:
Chelsea Handler added:
> “Rob and Michelle were tireless in their efforts to so many important causes, all stemming from one basic idea decency.”
The audience, which included Adam Sandler, Jean Smart, and Delroy Lindo, responded with audible applause and tears.
- Adam Sandler
- Jean Smart
- Delroy Lindo
Friends and Family Pay Tribute
Reiner’s longtime friends wrote a letter to the Associated Press on Dec. 16, praising his range.
- Billy Crystal
- Martin Short
- Albert Brooks
- Larry David
They noted his mastery across comedy, drama, mockumentary, and documentary.
Meg Ryan’s Instagram Post
On Dec. 17, Meg Ryan honored both Reiner and his wife with a heartfelt message.
Meg Ryan wrote:
> “Thank you for your faith in the best in people, and for your profound love of our country.”
She added a hopeful note:
Meg Ryan continued:
> “Some good may come, some awareness raised. I don’t know, but my guess is that they would want that to be hopeful and humane, to be something that brings us all to a greater understanding of one another and to some peace.”
Legal Proceedings
Nick Reiner appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Dec. 17 after being charged with the murders of his parents. He did not enter a plea, and his arraignment was delayed. NBC legal analyst Misty Marris explained the implications of the case.
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec. 14 | Rob and Michele Reiner found dead |
| Dec. 16 | Friends write letter to AP |
| Dec. 17 | Meg Ryan posts tribute |
| Dec. 17 | Nick Reiner arraigned in LA court |
Key Takeaways
- Rob Reiner’s death on Dec. 14 shocked Hollywood.
- Chelsea Handler’s tribute at the Critics Choice Awards highlighted his legacy.
- Nick Reiner faces murder charges, with proceedings ongoing.
The ceremony served as both a celebration of Reiner’s life and a reminder of the ongoing legal battle that has captivated the nation.
